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The Messer Construction Co. Foundation has awarded Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont $25,000 to support the construction of a new model home at Goodwill’s Construction Skills Training Center. Once construction is complete, the model home will become a regular tool to provide hands-on training throughout the Construction & Trade Skills Training program. As a sustainable structure, the model home will be vital in meeting the needs of program curriculum as the construction industry evolves over time.

“It’s really gratifying to support an organization that is committed to creating pathways to careers in the construction industry,” said Chris Malinowski, vice president, Charlotte region leader at Messer Construction Co. “High-quality, hands-on training provides a sense of what it’s like to work in the skilled trades: It’s rewarding, collaborative, and offers ample opportunities for advancement. We can’t wait to see the model home be constructed and for Goodwill’s Construction Skills Training Center to continue making an impact in the Charlotte community.”

As October is Careers in Construction Month, this investment is especially timely. With the construction industry facing a significant shortage of skilled workers, hands-on training programs like Goodwill’s are more critical than ever. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, 91% of construction firms in North Carolina are struggling to find skilled labor. This model home, once completed, will play a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of skilled craft professionals who can help close that gap in the greater Charlotte region.

“Careers in Construction Month serves as a reminder of the vital role the construction industry plays in our economy and communities,” said Marvin Kelley, Director of Construction & Trade Skills Training at Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. “This generous support from the Messer Construction Co. Foundation will provide our participants with hands-on training that closely simulates the real-world work they’ll do onsite upon program completion. We’re excited to strengthen our program and continue preparing the next generation of skilled workers for success.”

Goodwill’s Construction Skills Training program, along with the addition of this new model home, will help train local residents for rewarding careers in construction—a sector that offers stability, growth opportunities, and a chance to build a lasting legacy. Through this partnership with Messer Construction Co., Goodwill will continue to support economic mobility and provide essential skills training to individuals in the Charlotte area.

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Announcements|Donate|General|Goodwill's Mission|Job Training

2024-10-15 16:23:46

messer-foundation-grant

Nonprofit joins partnership in its commitment to recruiting and advancing workforce development initiatives in the Charlotte region

During a press conference at the Urban League of Central Carolinas on September 24, Goodwill, along with other nonprofits, community organizations, elected officials, unions and workforce providers, announced their commitment to adopt and implement the Departments of Commerce and Labor’s Good Jobs Principles, cement public and private sector partnerships that will build equitable workforce pipelines statewide, and reaffirm the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to create a generation of good-paying jobs while addressing the climate crisis. 

“Through President Biden and Vice President Harris’s Investing in America agenda, we have made significant progress in delivering good jobs and economic security to communities across the country,” said Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, who leads the workforce development partnership. “Here in North Carolina, that means $10.3 billion of investments in safe roads and bridges, clean air and water, and renewable energy. With today’s announcement - and through partnerships of those in this room - we are going to make sure that every single cent of that $10.3 billion supports good-paying North Carolina jobs.” 

During the press conference, Goodwill, along with the city’s building trades and other community-based organizations, also announced the formation of the Charlotte Regional Apprenticeship Collaboration to strengthen efforts in Greater Charlotte to develop pipelines of diverse and equitable apprenticeships. 

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Announcements|Community Partners

2024-10-10 18:40:21

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Our hearts go out to our neighbors in western North Carolina and the surrounding areas impacted by Hurricane Helene. We stand with everyone who is facing the aftermath of this devastating storm.

In times of crisis, it’s heartening to see our community come together to support one another. One way we’ve decided to help those affected by Hurricane Helene is to support a disaster relief drive that American Airlines and the Charlotte Douglas International Airport is hosting.

Saturday and Sunday, October 5 – 6, we’ll be collecting disaster relief supplies at all of our retail stores. Each store will have a collection bin located by its donor door that’s clearly labeled for this purpose. We’ll take all of the items we collect to the airport, where they’ll be loaded onto a truck and delivered to western North Carolina for local distribution.

These are the items we’ll be collecting:

Thank you as we work together to support our neighbors in need!

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Announcements

2024-10-04 18:54:29

disaster-relief-drive

THRIFT YOUR SPOOKY

Do you want to look eerie-sistible this Halloween? Look no further than your local Goodwill! Whether you’re building a costume classic or a pop culture sensation, we have everything you need to bring your one-of-a-kind look to life! 

FA-BOO-LOUS FINDS

EASY DIY COSTUME IDEAS

HOME FINDS TO HOWL FOR

LIFT YOUR SPIRITS

You can feel good about your purchases because they do good for our community! The revenue we generate from selling items in our stores is what funds the career training courses, job search support and family stability services that we offer free of charge to thousands of people in our community each year, including our own team members.

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Announcements|DIY|Shopping

2024-09-25 21:43:29

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Join Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont as we participate in the inaugural DAF Day on October 10, 2024.

A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is a charitable savings account that gives you the flexibility to recommend grants to qualified non-profits like Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. DAFs currently hold about $230 billion philanthropic dollars in the United States and provide a simple way for the donor to get needed resources to their favorite causes in an easy and efficient way.

About 37% of DAF accounts go unused each year. We can change that this year, by encouraging supporters of Goodwill’s mission to make a DAF gift on National DAF Day. Your dollars help our community members pursue the life they want to achieve through our life-changing services.

Whether participants are taking the tuition-free BankWork$ or Advanced IT training, or learning a new employable skill at our award-winning Construction Skills Training Center, you can be certain that an investment in Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont is an investment in our community’s future.

Making a DAF donation is easy to do. Just send our EIN – 56-0844639 to your account holder today, and reach out to our Director of Philanthropy, Jennifer De La Jara, at Jennifer.delajara@goodwillsp.org if you have any questions.

Imagine the good we could do if we DAF, together!

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Announcements|Donate|General

2024-09-20 01:19:52

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BUY THROUGH INSTAGRAM & PICK UP LOCALLY

At Goodwill, we’re always looking for new ways to further our mission, helping more people in our community better their lives. We’re excited to announce the launch of Home by Goodwill, our new Instagram account (@goodwillsp_home) where you can discover and claim unique, thrifted home goods and furniture directly through Instagram. Items will be available for pick-up at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus. The account will go live on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Where do the items for sale come from?
A: Items for sale at Home by Goodwill were originally donated to Goodwill stores. When items don’t sell in-store, we give them another chance to find a new home through Home by Goodwill. By shopping with us, you’re helping extend the life of these pieces and keeping them out of landfills, supporting both sustainability and Goodwill’s mission.

Q: What condition can I expect items to be in?
A: Items are gently used and donated by members of the community. While many pieces are in great condition, some may have minor defects that are not pictured. The condition of each unique item will vary, but we aim to offer quality items that still have plenty of life left.

Q: How do I pay and schedule pickup?
A: We currently accept payment through PayPal only. Once you’ve claimed an item by being the first to comment on our Instagram post, our team will reach out to you with a PayPal payment link and details for scheduling your pickup. It’s a simple process, and we’ll work with you to find a convenient time to collect your item(s) at 5301 Wilkinson Blvd. in west Charlotte!

Q: What does the revenue from Home by Goodwill support?
A: Like all of our stores, sales from Home by Goodwill fund job training programs, job search support, family stability services and more – all offered free of charge to people right here in our community looking to further their lives. Thank you for supporting our mission!

Q: Can I return items I purchase from Home by Goodwill?
A: We want you to be happy with your purchase! If an item isn’t what you expected when you arrive for pickup, we can process a return before the item leaves our building. However, once the item has been picked up, all sales are final. We encourage you to review the photos and descriptions closely to ensure the item meets your expectations.

Q: Will your team help me load large items?
A: We recommend bringing your own help for loading large items, as well as a vehicle that can accommodate them. While our team will assist when possible, we strongly encourage you to come prepared with the necessary “muscle” to ensure a smooth and safe loading process.

SHOP ONLINE AND DO GOOD

Like with all of our stores, every purchase made through Home by Goodwill helps generate revenue that directly supports our free job training programs, job search support services, family stability programs and other community initiatives designed to help people see possibilities, seize opportunities and prosper.

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Announcements|General|Shopping

2024-09-19 19:56:07

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Goodwill Industries International’s 2024 Halloween Survey reveals that four in five Americans (80%) plan to celebrate Halloween this year. This spooky season, more than half of celebrants (57%) are considering do-it-yourself costumes and secondhand décor as a means to save money. 

In its tenth year, this annual survey found that most consumers feel rising costs due to inflation are affecting their buying habits when it comes to Halloween costumes, décor and/or candy this season. Three-quarters of those surveyed (74%) said that higher prices are impacting their Halloween purchases — a slight decrease from 2023 (77%). As a result, nearly three in five respondents (57%) say that they are more likely to create DIY costumes rather than purchase from a store. This same proportion of adults (57%) is more likely to buy materials for DIY costumes or décor from thrift stores such as Goodwill to reduce costs. 

Aside from wearing costumes, the most popular ways people plan to celebrate include giving out candy to trick-or-treaters (49%), decorating their homes (36%) and/or attending parties with family/friends (29%). 

Consistent with prior years, Goodwill tops the list of favorite places to shop (83%) among those who prefer DIY costumes and look for materials at thrift stores. 

The Goodwill Halloween Survey also found that Halloween costumes based on pop culture trends or characters from TV, movies, video games or books are the most popular among respondents. 29% prefer those kinds of costumes this year, followed by classic Halloween costumes, like witches, ghosts, zombies or werewolves (23%), as well as one-of-a-kind costumes (23%). Furry friends will join the fun, with 11% of survey respondents saying they plan to dress up their pet!   

Two-thirds of adults who prefer DIY costumes (67%) say they or members of their household turn to social media and websites for ideas and inspiration. YouTube is the top-cited social media platform for inspiration this year (31%), followed by Pinterest (30%), Facebook (23%), TikTok (21%) and Instagram (20%). Thrift stores remain a source of costume ideas and inspiration for one in three adults who prefer DIY costumes (36%), consistent with 2023 (also 36%). 

Eco-consciousness is also a trend. Three in four adults (77%) say Goodwill’s sustainability efforts have some effect on their decision to shop at Goodwill stores, on a par with 2023 (76%). 

For more information and a fact sheet with additional Goodwill Halloween Survey results as well as costume ideas, DIY décor and makeup tutorials, visit Goodwill.org/Halloween. 

ABOUT THE GOODWILL HALLOWEEN SURVEY  

Big Village, an independent research organization, conducted the 2024 Goodwill Halloween Survey for Goodwill Industries International. The online poll took place from August 19-23, 2024, and included a sample size of 2,018 self-selected adults. Responses were weighted by age, gender, geographic region, race and education. Since 2014, Goodwill and Engine have worked together on Halloween-themed survey research. 

 

 

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Announcements|General|Shopping

2024-09-13 18:04:11

halloween-survey-2024

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

Football season is here, and for a brief moment, everything seems right in the world. If you need some gear to cheer on your favorite football team, be sure to stop by your local Goodwill to browse its collection of NFL and collegiate apparel, decor, and tailgating must-haves. Keep in mind that product selection varies by store. 

IN-STORE FINDS FOR FOOTBALL FANS

Take a look at just a few of the football fan displays we recently found in our stores! Many of our other stores that aren’t pictured here also have great football fan sections.

LOOK GOOD, DO GOOD

Not only can you look good this football season by shopping at Goodwill, you can also do good for our community! That’s because the revenue we generate from selling donated goods in our stores is what funds the job training programs, job search support, and family stability services that we offer free of charge to thousands of people in our community each year, including our own team members.

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Announcements|General|Shopping

2024-09-05 19:28:05

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Rake in the savings this season by shopping at your local Goodwill, where great deals never leaf! Our stores are stocked with everything you need to stay cozy and look trendy this fall, like sweaters, jeans, jackets, boots and more. Plus, your purchases help people in our community on their pathway to prosperity.

FALL FINDS IN STORES NOW

LOOK GOOD, DO GOOD

Not only can you look good this fall by shopping at Goodwill, you can also do good for our community! That’s because the revenue we generate from selling donated goods in our stores is what funds the career training courses, job search support, family stability services and more that we offer free of charge to thousands of people in our community each year, including our own team members.

 

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Announcements|General|Money Saving|Shopping

2024-08-09 13:09:21

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CELEBRATE AUGUST 17 & 18

Here at Goodwill, National Thrift Shop Day is one of our favorite holidays! This year, we want to celebrate with our loyal shoppers to show our appreciation. On Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18:

From all of us at Goodwill, thank you for your continued support. Because of you, we’re able to help people in our community get the job training and job search support they need to be able to land a good job and support themselves and their families. 

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Announcements|Events|Shopping

2024-08-01 16:58:38

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